COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Christopher Williams, Chief of Police
DATE: May 5, 2026
SUBJECT: Proclamation Proclaiming May 10 through May 16, 2026, as “National Police Week” and May 13, 2026, as “Peace Officers’ Memorial Day”
The City Council will p resent a Proclamation proclaiming the week of May 1 0th through May 16th, 2026, as “National Police Week” and Wednesday, May 13th, 2026, be declared “Peace Officers’ Memorial Day” in the City of Santa Maria.
BACKGROUND:
Every year, the week beginning on Mother’s Day is recognized as "National Police Week”.
This week is set aside in memory of the men and women in law enforcement agencies across the nation who lost their lives while performing their duties. Since 1995, the Santa Maria Police Officers’ Association has coordinated a memorial service and, in cooperation with the Santa Maria Police Department, has invited Northern Santa Barbara County law enforcement agencies, other public entities, and the general public to participate.
DISCUSSION:
In honor of our fallen officers, law enforcement agencies across the State of California will join agencies across the nation in setting aside a time to remember those officers and their contribution to the communities they served. Santa Maria will host a memorial service at the Santa Maria Police Department located at 1111 West Betteravia Road, which will involve the Northern and Southern Santa Barbara County law enforcement agencies. The memorial service is open to other public agencies, as well as the general public.
The purpose of the memorial service has always been to educate the public as to the hazards faced by those sworn to protect them and to create an environment where the public can interact with their pol ice department. Although a formal environment exists, this is an alternative environment, different than what is created during an enforcement stop, or when a member of the public has been victimized. This type of ceremony has proven to generate civic pr ide and has provided a means for our officers to honor fallen kinsmen.
As part of the lead into National Police Week, a Proclamation has been prepared in recognition of May 1 0th through May 1 6th, 202 6, as “National Police Week,” and proclaiming Wednesday, May 13th, 2026, as “Peace Officers’ Memorial Day” in the City 2 of Santa Maria. Federal law requires the flag be flown at half -staff during this week in honor of law enforcement officers across the country who have died this past year in the performance of their duties.
Proclamation Requested by: The Santa Maia Police Department
Attachment: Proclamation